QB Shakeups, Lineup Changes: NFL Moves That Should Happen

Quarterback Shakeups, Lineup Changes: NFL Moves That Should Happen

Five weeks into the season, some teams are already showing clear problem areas. Cincinnati and Las Vegas could use changes at quarterback, while others might benefit from lineup tweaks or giving younger players more opportunities. This is the point in the year where smart adjustments can set the tone, and these are the NFL moves that should happen as teams look to clean things up and find their rhythm.

Cincinnati Bengals– Bench Jake Browning

The Bengals need a change at quarterback. Jake Browning has thrown eight interceptions to just six touchdowns, and his reckless play has stalled the offense. Even though Cincinnati picked up a few garbage-time scores yesterday, the unit remains a disaster. If the Bengals do not want to spend draft capital on a trade, they should give Brett Rypien a chance. It cannot be much worse than what they have seen so far. A switch could give the offense a short-term jolt and stabilize the turnover problem.

Las Vegas Raiders– Bench Geno Smith

Geno Smith has been a turnover machine. He has thrown nine interceptions against six touchdowns on the year, and his decision-making has regressed each week. Some Raiders fans believe his relationship with Pete Carroll is why the team has not made a change, but that cannot justify losing football. Las Vegas should turn to Kenny Pickett next week. Pickett, a former first-round pick, has bounced around from the Steelers to the Eagles to the Browns and now the Raiders. He is still young and carries some upside. Learning behind Jalen Hurts on a Super Bowl team may have helped him grow. The Raiders need a spark, and Pickett at least offers a fresh look.

Kansas City Chiefs– Shake Up the Backfield

Kansas City’s run game has held the offense back. Kareem Hunt works in short yardage, and Isaiah Pacheco brings energy, but he has not looked the same since his broken leg last year. The Chiefs should see what rookie Brashard Smith can bring. He has real speed, and rookie backs across the league like Omarion Hampton, Quinshon Judkins, Ashton Jeanty, Cam Skattebo, and Woody Marks have made impacts. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy already mentioned wanting to get Smith more touches, and this is the perfect time to do it. Kansas City needs a more explosive ground game to balance out Patrick Mahomes and keep defenses honest.

Los Angeles Chargers– Find Offensive Line Help, Among NFL Moves That Should Happen

One of the most important NFL moves that should happen is shoring up protection before it derails a promising season, and the Chargers fit that situation perfectly. The Chargers offensive line is falling apart, and it is putting Justin Herbert in constant danger. Rashawn Slater is out for the season with a major injury. Joe Alt is sidelined for a few weeks with an ankle sprain. Mekhi Becton and Trey Pipkins also went down, which has left the unit scrambling. Herbert was sacked four times and hit nine times yesterday vs the Washington Commanders. He has been sacked six times in the last two games, throwing just two touchdowns and three interceptions in that span. The offense looks shaky, and this level of pressure is not sustainable. Los Angeles should explore the trade or free agent market to bring in offensive line help before the situation gets worse. Herbert is the franchise, and they cannot afford to let the season spiral because of protection issues. They have already lost enough key players, including the one yesterday, star running back Omarion Hampton, who suffered an ankle injury.